"Welcome, two masters of the Dao-Unity Realm."
Upon seeing the two, Night Owl slightly curled her lips and rose to greet them.
Long before their arrival, she had already familiarized herself with their backgrounds.
Of course, what she didnât know was that Yi Feng had no idea what his actual cultivation level was and had simply thrown out the term "Dao-Unity Realm" at random.
As for Fu Nanshan, he had followed suit, claiming the same realm to avoid revealing his true identity.
"However, before the two heroes officially step onto this island today, I, Night Owl, must make one thing clear."
She cut straight to the point.
"Once you set foot on this island, leaving wonât be so easy."
"Nine times out of ten, youâll be offering up your lives here."
"Both of you are Dao-Unity Realm expertsârare talents in Yunxing. Cultivation is no easy path, so I feel obliged to remind you: think carefully."
"If you regret it now, thereâs still time. My Poison Sky Island wonât hold it against you, and weâll return you safely to where you came from."
"So today, here and now, you must make your final decision."
Having said this, Night Owl fixed her piercing gaze on the two men.
Fu Nantian had no real interest in testing poisonsâhis attention was entirely focused on Yi Feng beside him.
Thus, before Yi Feng responded, he feigned hesitation, waiting for the latterâs decision.
"Island Master Night Owl."
Yi Feng stepped forward with a cupped-hand salute.
"I understand that the research conducted by the poison masters of Poison Sky Island is all to prepare for the potential invasion of demons and monsters in the future."
"This is a matter of grave importance for humanity. With the lack of test subjects, we cultivators of Yunxing must rise to the occasion."
"From the moment I set foot on this island, I never once considered turning back."
"In shortâ"
"Please, Island Master Night Owl, do your utmost to poison me to death."
Yi Feng stood tall, his tone resolute and fearless.
His words immediately stirred murmurs throughout the hall.
"What a noble sense of duty!"
"A true hero of our race!"
Many poison masters voiced their admiration, feeling their tireless efforts on the island were not in vain.
"Impressive lad, such high moral conviction."
Behind him, Fu Nantian also silently praised. Seeing Yi Fengâs declaration, he promptly followed suit.
"Indeed, this young brother speaks my thoughts exactly. For the greater good of humanity, we cannot shrink back."
The two menâs unwavering stance moved the old man who had brought them here.
As expected.
His judgment hadnât failed him. Neither had shown the slightest hesitationâtrue heroes indeed.
"Island Master Night Owl, what do you think?" the old man whispered to her.
Night Owlâs sharp eyes had been scrutinizing the two all along, not missing a single subtle movement between them.
"Prepare Fu Nantian for the poison trials. As for Yi FengâŠ"
"Have him meet me privately."
With that, she waved her hand and prepared to leave.
The old man was baffled by her decision.
"ButâIsland Master, why?"
He couldnât help but ask.
"What kind of people cultivators are, you and I both know. Do you truly believe there are those willing to sacrifice their lives purely for righteousness?"
"Perhaps, among the countless, a few exist."
"Fu Nantian might be one."
"But that Yi Feng? I doubt it."
Night Owl smirked coldly.
"Island Master, arenât you being overly cautious? Young Master Yi Feng was the first to volunteer. His fearless devotion to humanityâs cause couldnât possibly be an act. My expertise in poisons may pale next to yours, but my judgment of character is no less sharp."
Seeing Night Owlâs suspicion toward Yi Feng, the old manâManager Zhangâquickly defended him.
To him, Yi Feng held a place of great respect. He deeply admired the young manâs selfless spirit.
Thus, he couldnât accept Night Owlâs doubts at all.
"Manager Zhang, I understand your feelings."
Night Owl replied leisurely, "But itâs precisely because heâs so flawless that I find him suspicious."
"This man faces death without the slightest fear or hesitationâso perfect itâs unnatural. That simply doesnât align with human nature."
"But thatâs just the kind of person he is!" Manager Zhang insisted. "Heâs resolved to die for humanityâs sakeâof course he wouldnât hesitate!"
Night Owl laughed.
"Then let me ask you: if demons invaded in the future, would you die for humanity?"
She fixed her gaze on him, waiting.
"IâŠ"
The old manâs face flushed red as he wrestled with the question. Finally, he gritted his teeth.
"If my death could contribute to humanityâs victory, I would willingly give my life."
"Exactly. Youâre willing."
Night Owl nodded slowly. "Your resolve is firm, but at the very least, you hesitated. You had to struggle with the thought."
"IâŠ"
Manager Zhang had no rebuttal.
"And thatâs precisely why I doubt him," Night Owl explained. "Even the most righteous person, when facing death, would feel some attachment to life or go through an internal conflict."
"But this man? Nothing."
"Forgive me if I find it hard to believe such self-sacrifice exists in this world."
"Remember, the demon realm covets what little territory we humans have left. There may even be spies hidden among us."
"Everything concerning humanityâs survival must be handled with utmost caution. Do you understand?"
Her sharp eyes bore into the old man, leaving no room for carelessness.
"I understand."
Manager Zhang lowered his head, conceding to her reasoning.
"Good. Bring him to me later."
"Iâll take a closer look and confirm whether he has ulterior motives."
With that, she gently stroked the lizard in her hands, casting a meaningful glance at Yi Feng and Fu Nantian before departing.
After Night Owl left, the old man approached the two.
When he relayed that Yi Feng was to meet Night Owl privately, Fu Nantianâs expression turned grave.
He pulled Yi Feng aside.
"Listen carefully, lad."
"When you meet that venomous woman later, keep your distance. Even Sages tread carefully around her."
"If you upset her, she wonât care whether youâre a test subject or a martyrâsheâll kill you without hesitation. Understand?"
Fu Nantianâs tone was deadly serious.
He had heard of Night Owlâs lethal prowess. The last thing he wanted was to see Yi Feng reduced to a corpseâa fate even he couldnât reverse.
To prevent his future disciple from meeting an untimely end, he had no choice but to drill this warning into him.
Yet Yi Feng remained unfazed.
Death?
That was exactly what he wanted.
Far from nervous, he felt a flicker of anticipation at the prospect of meeting the infamous Poison Mistress.
Before long, under Manager Zhangâs guidance, Yi Feng entered Night Owlâs private chambers.
"Sit."
Inside the room...
Night Owl had already brewed a pot of fragrant tea and was seated cross-legged by the table. When Yi Feng entered, she gestured for him to take a seat. Without hesitation, Yi Feng plopped down. From the moment he stepped into the room, every move he madeâeven the subtlest shift in his expressionâwas keenly observed by Night Owl.